How to make your home buying experience easier

The thought of buying a new home can be exciting, overwhelming and daunting all at the same time. Not to worry, we’re here to fill you in on how you can make your home buying experience that much easier. So grab a pen and a paper and take note!

1. Get pre-approved

A pre-approval will allow your lender to determine whether you will have the financial ability to pay back your mortgage. It also gives you an indication of how much you can borrow, and gives you an estimate for your repayments and other costs. Make sure you understand the terms of your mortgage, as it is a big financial commitment. To prepare yourself beforehand, check out what documents you’ll need for a pre-approved mortgage.

2. Talk to a few experts

Getting in contact with a mortgage broker can help provide you with useful feedback on properties, and negotiating prices. If you’d rather avoid real estate fees, and like the idea of having a first home that is exactly the way you want it - get in touch with Summit Homes. We offer expert advice and work with you from start to finish to help you secure your dream home. The point is - talking to the experts will give you a better understanding of the whole process and get you one step closer to buying that new home of yours.

3. Get real

Start off looking at a whole heap of properties. It’ll allow you to get a feel for what’s on the market, and determine what trade-offs you may have to make for a house that is within your budget. Not all properties are perfect, and as a home buyer, what you need to decide is whether you can live with those problems until they can be fixed.

4. Get to know the neighbourhood

If you’ve found a potential home in an area you’re not familiar with - spend some time there. Walk around the neighbourhood and stop by at nearby shops and cafes. Learn more about the schools in the area, and how convenient public transport is. Go back to the neighbourhood at night and at different times of the day. If you’re serious about the house, it may be worth having a chat with the neighbours and others who live in the area.

5. Make some offers

Forget about having a house soul mate. There is no ‘one’ property out there for you. There are a number of properties in the sea that can be right for you at the right price. If you like a property but aren’t feeling 100% about it, at what price would you change your mind? Try making a lower offer - there’s no harm in doing so! Depending on the situation, it may just pay off.

For more tips to help you through your home buying journey, visit the Summit Homes Blog.